"I am afraid of marrying on any means," she says, comprehensively. "I particularly dislike the idea; marriage seems to me the end of everything, and I am at the beginning."
"But I don't want you to marry me now," cries Robert, stammering.
"Don't you? You told me just now that you did."
"For pity's sake, Esther, don't laugh! it may be play to you, but it is death to me."
"I'm not laughing."
"Perhaps some day you will feel what I am feeling now."
"Perhaps" (doubtfully).
"And you will find then that it is no laughing matter."
"Perhaps" (still more doubtfully).
The clamour of a fresh cohort of plates shaking noisily upon a tray warns Brandon that his time is short.